Thread by @ECDC_Outbreaks

#JustPublished!
Spread of the #SARSCoV2 #Omicron variant sub-lineage BQ.1 in the EU/EEA.

BQ.1, including its sub-lineages, has been designated as Variant of Interest (#VOI) by ECDC as of 20 October 2022.

Full report: bit.ly/3VMLay0

Based on modelling estimates, it is expected that by mid-November to beginning of December 2022, more than 50% of #SARSCoV2 infections will be due to BQ.1/BQ.1.1.

That level is expected to rise by the beginning of 2023, to more than 80%.

bit.ly/3VMLay0
#Omicron #BQ1

The observed increase in the growth rate of BQ.1 is probably driven mainly by immune escape.

This variant and its sub-lineages will probably contribute to a further increase in cases of #COVID19 in the EU/EEA in the coming weeks and months.

#Omicron #BQ1

Based on limited available data, there is no evidence of BQ.1 being associated with a greater infection severity than the circulating variants BA.4/BA.5 of #Omicron.

All information on #COVID19 in one place:
ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19

Countries should remain vigilant for signals of BQ.1 emergence and spread; maintain sensitive and representative testing and genomic surveillance with sequence reporting and strengthen sentinel surveillance systems (primary care ILI/ARI and SARI).

Countries should continue to monitor #COVID19 case rates - especially in people aged 65 years and older - and severity indicators such as hospitalisations, ICU admissions, ICU occupancy and death.

bit.ly/3VMLay0
#Omicron #BQ1 #BQ11

Improving #COVID19 vaccine uptake of the primary course and first booster dose remains a priority for all eligible individuals that are not up-to-date with the recommended schedule.

More information in our report: bit.ly/3VMLay0
& press release: ecdc.europa.eu/en/news-events…